Rutles documentary stands test of time

Foursome's rock rolls in historic NBC special

It’s all here: The highs, the lows, the triumphs and tragedies — and, of course, the trousers. Even 30 years on, Rutles docu “All You Need Is Cash” endures as an insightful, breezily paced pic that etched the template for the many rock docs that followed.

Then and now, the best thing about “Cash” is how it perfectly captures its subject matter, particularly the joie de vivre that was Rutlemania at its peak. Variety noted this key element of the doc in its original review of the 90-minute NBC spesh in its March 22, 1978, edition.

“The show’s most potent force — more potent than the humor, the tugs of nostalgia or the on-target observations — is the vitality,” reviewer “Tome” noted. adding that even casual Rutles fans will be “tugged along at the irreverent look at a major force in comtemporary music.”

“Cash” is as much fun to watch as it is to listen to. Filmmakers also did plenty of homework, weaving in elements that offer great insight into musical and pop-culture history.

It’s fitting that “Cash,” like the Rutles themselves, set a standard that has yet to be exceeded.